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Activity impact assessment in the permission system - Photography, filming and sound recording (including drones)

September / 2016Objective To provide guidance on assessing photography, filming, sound recording and drone activities within the permission system

Target audiencePrimary: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority officers assessing applications for permission.Secondary: Groups and individuals applying for permission; interested members of the public.

CONSULTATION NOTES:1. These guidelines form part of a broader package which has been released for public comment and

should be read in conjunction with:a. The draft revised Environmental impact management policy: permission system (Permission

system policy) explains how the management of the permission system ensures consistency, transparency and achievement of the objects of the Act.

b. The draft Risk assessment procedure explains how GBRMPA determines risk level and the need for avoidance, mitigation or offset measures.

c. The draft Guidelines: Applications for permission (Application guidelines) explain when permission is required and how to apply.

d. The draft Checklist of application information proposes information required to be submitted before an application is accepted by GBRMPA.

e. The draft Guidelines: Permission assessment and decision (Assessment guidelines) explain how applications are assessed and decisions made.

f. The draft Information sheet on deemed applications under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC deemed application information sheet) explains how application, assessment and decision processes work for those applications that require approval under both the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act).

g. The draft Information sheet on joint Marine Parks permissions with Queensland (Joint Marine Parks permissions information sheet) explains how GBRMPA and the Queensland Government work together to administer a joint permission system.

h. The draft Guidelines: Value impact assessment in the permission system (Value assessment guidelines) provide further detail on specific values of the Marine Park, including how to determine risk and possible avoidance, mitigation or offset measures.

i. The draft Guidelines: Location-specific assessment in the permission system (Location-specific assessment guidelines) highlight places in the Marine Park that have site-specific management plans, policies or other information which may be relevant to decisions.

j. The draft Guidelines: Activity impact assessment in the permission system (Activity assessment guidelines) provide further detail on how GBRMPA assesses and manages specific activities.

k. The Managing facilities discussion paper and draft Guidelines: Activity impact assessment in the permission system – Fixed facilities propose changes to how GBRMPA manages facilities in the Marine Park.

2. Amendments are underway to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983, as outlined in the Response Document prepared after consultation in December 2015. These guidelines have been written to reflect the proposed amendments.

3. You can provide feedback on this document via our online survey, which can also be accessed from the GBRMPA webpage at www.gbrmpa.gov.au/zoning-permits-and-plans/permits/improving-permissions

Purpose

1. Permission decisions contribute to maintaining and enhancing the condition of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Marine Park).

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Related legislation / standards / policy

2. Refer to Appendix A of this document for a full list of related legislation, standards and policy.

3. The key pieces of legislation governing the Marine Park are:a. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (the Act)b. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983 (the Regulations)c. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003 (the Zoning Plan).

Context

Description of the activity requiring permission

4. Regulation 28 defines photography, filming or sound recording as the recording of images or sounds in a way that has, or is likely to have, negligible impacts on the Marine Park. See the section on Zoning and legislation for more information.

5. Throughout these guidelines, the term ‘recording’ is used to refer collectively to photography, filming and sound recording.

6. This guideline covers recording for all purposes – commercial, non-commercial, documentary, television, film, research, news, marketing, recreational, artistic and educational.

Importance

7. The Marine Park has been the subject of numerous films, documentaries, commercial and marketing sequences as well as private recreational filming. The diversity of environmental values and multiple use aspects of the region provide a huge variety of potential film and photographic material.

8. Past major productions that have needed a Marine Park permission include: a. Sir David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef TV series (2015-2016) – locations reef-wideb. Pirates of the Caribbean 5: Dead Men Tell No Tales movie (2015) – Whitsundays c. Sea Patrol TV series (2006-2011) -- Cairns and Mission Beach d. Fool’s Gold movie (2006-2007) – Port Douglas, Cairns, Whitsundays.

9. Recording is also important for scientific studies and monitoring programs.

10. Increasingly, remote or autonomous recording equipment is being used to replace the need for people to be physically present at a site or to closely approach wildlife. This technology provides significant benefits to researchers and filmmakers but also poses some unique risks which need to be considered.

Management

Zoning and legislation

11. The Zoning Plan allows recording without permission in most zones, if it is conducted in a way that has, or is likely to have, negligible impacts on the values of the Marine Park. See the section on Low impact recording for guidance on whether permission is needed in these zones:a. General Use Zoneb. Habitat Protection Zonec. Conservation Park Zoned. Buffer Zonee. Scientific Research Zonef. Marine National Park Zoneg. Commonwealth Islands Zone.

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12. Permission is always required for recording in Preservation Zones. Such permission is unlikely to be granted, as the objective of the Preservation Zone is to maintain areas which are generally undisturbed by humans.

13. Restricted Access Special Management Areas may have special rules or policies related to recording. See the Location-specific assessment guidelines for more information.

14. Recording in Planning Areas must comply with all relevant regulations, including limits on vessel and group sizes. See the Location-specific assessment guidelines for more information.

15. GBRMPA cannot grant permission for recording in Maritime Cultural Heritage Protection Special Management Areas unless it will improve public education about, or understanding of, cultural heritage (Regulation 88VA). Refer to the Guidelines: Maritime cultural heritage protection special management area permit application and assessment (Maritime cultural heritage SMA guidelines) for more detail.

Whales and dolphins

16. Regulation 88S(2) requires that if an application relates to recording involving cetaceans, GBRMPA must consider whether the conduct will adversely affect a cetacean, the conservation status of a species of cetacean or a population of a species of cetacean. Refer to the Assessment guidelines for more information. This only applies where the recording requires permission, that is, when it does not comply with the principles for low impact recording.

17. Part 4A of the Regulations limits interactions with cetaceans, such as approach distances. Under Regulation 117K (1) (b), a person may be given an exemption to these limits as part of a permission for recording. Cetacean exemptions are assessed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with legislation. See the Risk assessment procedure for information on how to conduct a risk assessment.

Policy

Low impact recording

18. To meet the definition in the Zoning Plan of ‘negligible impacts on the values of the Marine Park’, GBRMPA has developed guiding principles to explain what types of recording equipment and methods are considered to cause negligible impacts on the values of the Marine Park.’ These are referred to as ‘Low impact recording’.

19. The following principles describe low impact recording:a. Equipment or props are free-standing or hand-held. No equipment or props are fixed in place

or left unattended, even temporarily.b. Free-standing equipment (such as tripods) or props do not come into contact with coral.c. The recording activity does not restrict public access or public use of a location. d. Non-endemic plants, animals or biological materials are not used.e. Approach distances for cetaceans (dolphins and whales) comply with Part 4A of the

Regulations.f. Plants or animals are not touched, handled, manipulated, fed, attracted with feed or otherwise

disturbed.i. When recording nesting marine turtles and hatchlings -- the recording does not involve

the use of a light, approaching turtles from the front (direct line-of-sight vision of animal) or any physical interaction with the turtles (for example, moving hatchlings to improve the recording).

g. Non-living materials (sand, rocks, etc) are not intentionally moved or manipulated beyond what is likely to be naturally restored within 24 hours.EXAMPLES1. Creating a message on a beach by etching in the sand or moving small pebbles is

usually acceptable, as the tide would be expected to remove the message within a day.2. Moving large rocks to form an artistic display is unlikely to be ‘low impact’, as tides and

winds would be unlikely to return the area to a natural state within a day.h. Pyrotechnic effects, such as simulated explosions, are not used.

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i. Unusual lighting is not used, for example strobe lighting, very high intensity lights or extended night lighting at a single location.

j. Autonomous vehicles (for example robots) are not used (see Definitions section of this document).

k. Managed vessels or aircraft are not used (see Definitions section of this document).l. Support vessels, equipment or platforms have legal authority to operate in the Marine Park for

the intended purpose (for example, chartered vessels hold a valid GBMRPA permission to conduct a charter operation).

m. Where using remotely operated vehicles (such as drones and ROVs):i. Aerial units weigh less than five (5) kilograms (including equipment).ii. Surface or submarine units weigh less than 25 kilograms (including equipment). iii. Aerial units do not operate within aircraft exclusion areas (see Location-specific

assessment guidelines). iv. Units do not approach closer than:

20 metre radius from marine turtles; 30 metre radius from crocodiles; 30 metre radius from dugongs; 75 metre radius from seabirds.1

v. Requirements and guidelines under other legislation are adhered to, including: For aerial units -- Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) For surface and submarine units – Australian Maritime Safety Authority .

20. Recording which cannot comply with all of the above principles is likely to require GBRMPA’s permission.

Recording for the purpose of research

21. Refer to GBRMPA’s Policy on Managing Scientific Research in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. In particular, a wide range of video and audio recording is allowed without permission when operating under research accreditation.

22. In some cases, it may be necessary to differentiate between recording for legitimate research purposes and recording for the purposes of education, information or entertainment.

EXAMPLES1. If a researcher wanted to record images along a transect in order to later review the footage to

count fish or determine other scientifically relevant information, this would be classified as recording for research purposes.

2. If a commercial filmmaker wants to record a researcher tagging marine turtles as part of a weekly television series, this would not be recording for the purpose of research and would not generally be allowed under the researcher’s permit. Rather, the filmmaker would need their own permit to conduct filming (unless the recording complies with the principles for low impact recording).

3. If a freelance photographer wants to photograph a research project in order to sell the photographs, this would not generally be allowed under the researcher’s permit. Rather, the photographer would need their own permit to conduct photography (unless the recording complies with the principles for low impact recording).

Protected species

23. Refer to GBRMPA’s Policy on Managing Activities that include the Direct Take of Protected Species for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for more guidance on recording involving protected species.

Common assessment considerations

Remotely operated and autonomous vehicles (drones, ROVs, AUVs, etc)

24. See the section on Low impact recording for guidance on remote/autonomous vehicle use that may not require permission.

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25. If permission is required, the assessment considers the same matters as for general recording, and also: a. the purpose of the filming – use of a drone that poses a greater risk (of a larger size or in a

sensitive area) will generally only be considered if the filming will significantly enhance scientific understanding or public appreciation of the Marine Park

b. any requests for landing(s)c. the operator’s qualifications and experience, including their knowledge of the proposed

locationd. the risks posed by the device should it contact sensitive habitats or species or breach

exclusion limitse. the risks posed by the device should it be lost (for example, whether the device may leach

toxic chemicals).

Queensland considerations

26. In addition to GBRMPA’s requirements, Queensland’s Operational Policy on commercial filming and photography defines a ‘major production’ as ‘commercial filming or photography activities that …require more intensive management in order to keep impacts…within acceptable limits’. Under this definition such activities generally involve: ‘a crew of 10 or more people; and/or the use of significant infrastructure or equipment; and/or some level of exclusive occupation of a sites or sites …for three days or more.’

27. Where the activity is proposed to be conducted partly in Queensland only jurisdiction (for example, island national parks and intertidal zones), it will usually be managed under a Commercial Activity Agreement negotiated between the State of Queensland and the proponent. In these cases, permission may still be required from GBRMPA for activities that are proposed to be undertaken in the Marine Park, in support of the terrestrial component. GBRMPA’s assessment for such permissions would require consideration of the conditions imposed in the Commercial Activity Agreement to ensure any permission granted remains consistent with the relevant agreement.

Links to other values

Social values

28. Recording can substantially enhance people’s understanding and appreciation of the Great Barrier Reef. These activities therefore have the ability to provide positive social impacts. However, filming often triggers requests to restrict public access to parts of the Marine Park – a potential negative impact.

29. Such requests will generally only be approved by GBRMPA if the applicant demonstrates that restricted access is necessary to ensure public safety or the security of property or people. Examples might be:a. Stunts or special effects, where public access may endanger both the public and crewb. High profile cast or crew who may reasonably require special security measuresc. Facilities or vessels fixed in the Marine Park for the duration of filming which may need an

exclusion zone for public safety and property security reasons.

30. Restricting access to avoid ‘interruptions’ must be minimised to the shortest time period possible and may not be approved by GBRMPA unless the applicant can demonstrate that the filming will significantly enhance scientific understanding or public appreciation of the Marine Park. Keep in mind that the Great Barrier Reef is a public park. If restrictions are needed for more than a few hours, the applicant should consider a filming location outside the Marine Park.

31. Refer to the Guidelines : Social impact assessment in the permission system (Social value assessment guidelines) for more information.

Indigenous heritage values

32. Consider the potential presence of Indigenous cultural heritage values and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to own and control their cultural heritage, and how they are portrayed (such as in images, film or sound recordings). Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual

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Property (ICIP) refers to Indigenous people’s interests in their cultural heritage, including traditional songs, music, dances, stories, ceremonies, symbols, languages and designs. 2

33. The Australian Government’s Ask First : A guide to respecting Indigenous heritage places and values may be a useful guide when recording Indigenous heritage places and values.

34. Where recording in the Marine Park involves capturing such content, discussions with the relevant Traditional Owners are required to determine appropriate management arrangements and use.

35. Refer to the Guidelines : Indigenous heritage impact assessment in the permission system (Indigenous heritage value assessment guidelines) for more information on Indigenous heritage values.

Biophysical values

36. Impacts on the biodiversity and geomorphology values of the Marine Park are considered where the recording does not comply with the low impact recording principles. The exact impacts vary significantly depending on the value being considered.

37. Refer to the value assessment guidelines where developed for more information.

Historic Heritage values

38. Photography, filming and sound recording may carry a risk of impacting historic sites and features, particularly if it occurs underwater. This is because the operator’s attention must be divided across multiple considerations and they usually aim to get as close as possible to the site to capture the best record.

39. Consideration should be given to the qualifications and experience of the crew, including their knowledge of conditions at the site. Where possible, spotters should assist the primary crew member to help avoid damage to sites from kicks, bumps, or dangling or dropped equipment. Props may be advisable to provide a stable recording platform without contacting the site itself.

40. Other possible impacts to consider include:a. Bright lights can damage some artefacts.b. Some activities, or the way the recordings are used, may be seen as disrespectful by people

who are closely related to or highly value the historic heritage.

41. Documentaries and research filming can contribute positively to our understanding and appreciation of historic heritage. However, it is also important to consider whether sharing the images may increase visitation to the site, thereby creating more impacts. If there are concerns, consider presenting the information without identifying a specific location.

42. Refer to the Guidelines : Historic heritage impact assessment in the permission system (Historic heritage value assessment guidelines) for more details.

Hazards, mitigation and monitoring

43. If permission is granted, site supervision by GBRMPA is usually required (through permit conditions) in the following cases:a. access to Restricted Access Special Management Areas (such as Raine Island, Moulter Cay

and MacLennan Cay)b. access to Preservation Zones or other sensitive locationsc. interactions with protected species, including cetaceans d. use of significant props, equipment and temporary facilities e. use of significant special effects or pyrotechnicsf. use of new or relatively untested equipment or techniquesg. restricting public access to a locationh. crew that is inexperienced with the location.

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44. Table 1 summarises possible impacts and mitigation measures. These are for example only and may not apply in all circumstances.

Table 1. Summary of hazards, possible impacts and possible mitigation measures

Hazard Possible Impact (effect on value) Possible avoidance, mitigation and monitoring measures

Artificial light or change in natural light

Large facilities may temporarily shade corals, seagrass or clams.

Night lighting for extended periods (including on vessels or facilities) may disorient nesting and hatching turtles.

Night lighting may cause unnatural aggregations of predators.

High intensity lights may dazzle, disorient or injure animals.

High intensity lights may damage heritage sites or artefacts.

Avoid using high intensity or night lighting.

Limit night lighting to the minimum required.

Use infrared lighting at night. Limit the number of artificial

lighting sources and time of use. Do not shine lights head-on

towards animals (approach from back or side).

Shade lights to limit leakage outside the area requiring illumination.

Use night vision enabled equipment rather than artificial lighting.

Change in access

Limiting public access may disturb other users.

Limiting public access may disrupt traditional owner activities.

Potential to require public advertising depending on length of exclusive use.

Consult with Traditional Owners, other users or nearby residents to plan activities to minimise disturbance.

Avoid high use tourism or recreational areas.

Change in aesthetics or amenity

Exceeding the group size limit of a Plan of Management.

Disturbing other users or nearby residents.

Props, vessels etc lead to cluttered, non-natural appearance of area which impacts on other people’s experience.

Use of special effects, dyes etc leads to short-term changes in appearance of an area.

Confirm use is consistent with zone objective.

Comply with group size limits set out in relevant Plans of Management.

Limit the numbers or size of vessels that can access the site.

Limit the numbers of people who can visit the site.

Limit the size or numbers of props used.

Potential to require public advertising depending on level of impact.

Consult with Traditional Owners, other users or nearby residents to plan activities to minimise disturbance.

Avoid high use tourism or recreational areas.

Use an aesthetic evaluation tool to evaluate options for minimising impacts.

Site supervision.

Change in Drones, ROVs or other Comply with Low impact recording

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Hazard Possible Impact (effect on value) Possible avoidance, mitigation and monitoring measures

noise equipment disturb wildlife or people.

Pyrotechnics or special effects create explosive sounds which disturb wildlife or people.

High-speed vessels or low-flying aircraft disturb wildlife or people.

Installing facilities or equipment creates underwater noise which interrupts natural behaviour of animals.

Idling vessels, equipment or generators disturb wildlife or people.

principles. Plan noise-creating activities at

times to minimise disturbance to wildlife and other people using the Marine Park.

Use noise buffering on equipment. Avoid noises within the hearing

range of species likely to be in the area.

Consult with Traditional Owners, other users or nearby residents and/or inform them when noisy activities are planned.

Limit the number of people on site to minimise noise.

Minimise or buffer idling equipment.

Use solar power or battery arrays rather than diesel generators

Change in sedimentation

Sediment is moved intentionally or unintentionally, affecting plants and animals living at the site.

Sediment is stirred up by vessels or people, smothering nearby corals or seagrass or reducing visibility.

Avoid using vessels at low tide in shallow areas.

Large-scale movement of sediment (for example, dredging or seabed levelling) should not generally be allowed for recording purposes.

Avoid kicking or standing in sandy patches within coral.

Contamination of air

Pyrotechnics or special effects release gases or particles into the air, affecting wildlife.

Large numbers of vessels or generators produce fumes or smoke which affects wildlife or people.

Restrict the type of material used (e.g. toxicity level).

Relevant insurance in place. Avoid use of potentially toxic

compounds near sensitive sites. Brief crew before start of

operation. Site supervision. Store fuel and chemicals in

appropriate containers within bunded areas.

Establish an incident response plan and carry required response equipment.

Minimise or buffer idling equipment Use solar power or battery arrays

rather than diesel generators.

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Hazard Possible Impact (effect on value) Possible avoidance, mitigation and monitoring measures

Contamination of sediment or water

Pyrotechnics or special effects release dyes, particles or chemicals into the water.

Fuel or chemical spill from a vessel or facility.

Sewage discharge.

Restrict the type of material used (e.g. toxicity level).

Relevant insurance in place. Avoid use of potentially toxic

compounds near sensitive sites. Brief crew before start of

operation. Site supervision. Store fuel and chemicals in

appropriate containers within bunded areas.

Establish an incident response plan and carry required response equipment.

Direct damage, removal or destruction of non-living things

Installing tripods or other equipment may damage or disturb sand, rocks or other non-living components of the Marine Park.

Unintentional damage to a heritage site or feature by touching, kicking, bumping, standing, entering or otherwise disturbing.

Displacement of other Marine Park users.

Damage or disturbance of cultural heritage values (such as disturbance to sacred sites).

Misrepresentation of Indigenous or historic cultural heritage.

Select site to minimise disturbance.

GBRMPA site supervision for larger equipment.

Relevant insurance in place. Adequate engagement with

Traditional Owners. Design and secure

equipment/facilities to withstand currents and weather conditions at the location.

Brief crew on values of site and low impact methods

Attend equipment at all times and remove at the end of each day.

For longer term installations, regularly inspect equipment.

Mark equipment with permission information.

Direct death or removal of living things, including vessel strike

Vessel strike. Handling or disturbance of wildlife

leads to death. Plants or non-sessile animals

(such as corals or clams) are destroyed by propeller damage, trampling, or other physical disturbance by vessels, people or equipment.

Removing wildlife to another location (such as a holding tank or laboratory) to assist in filming.

Establish Go Slow zones. Brief crew on risks and procedures

to minimise risks. Avoid using vessels at low tide in

shallow areas. Avoid sensitive habitat and

species. Ensure drone operators are

suitably qualified and experienced. Comply with limits on take set by

QLD Fisheries and GBRMPA’s Protected Species policy.

Film in situ whenever possible. Source specimens from permitted

harvest fisheries or other sources rather than taking directly from the Marine Park.

Replace specimens at location of collection as soon as possible after recording.

Comply with cetacean limits set by Part 4A of the Regulations.

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Hazard Possible Impact (effect on value) Possible avoidance, mitigation and monitoring measures

Direct injury or disturbance of living things, including translocation

Touching, pursuing, or otherwise disturbing wildlife.

Moving wildlife, for example to improve a shot.

Avoid sensitive habitat and species.

Ensure drone operators are suitably qualified and experienced.

Comply with limits on take set by GBRMPA’s Protected Species policy.

Avoid touching or pursuing wildlife. Comply with cetacean limits set by

Part 4A of the Regulations.

Exotic species or diseases

Vessels, equipment or people introduce exotic pests to the site.

Pest assessments of introduced props.

Hygiene and biosecurity measures and treatments for plants and animals and their containers.

Vessels and equipment and machinery to be subject to biosecurity measures.

Crew to follow biosecurity measures

Non-native species not used in the Marine Park.

Any introduced wildlife to be securely contained when not being filmed, and controlled by animal handlers only.

Limits on type of feed that can be used for attracting wildlife.

Marine debris Packaging or waste released into Marine Park.

Entanglement of wildlife. Ingestion by wildlife. Bioaccumulation of plastics in the

food chain. Aesthetic impacts.

Props to be attended to at all times.

Entanglement response team and equipment on call.

Removal of props at end of each day where feasible and after completion of filming

Restrictions on type of material use (e.g. prohibit polystyrene).

Permit the removal of rubbish such as debris, fishing line, nets provided the removal of the rubbish does not impact on the values.

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Assessment information CONSULTATION NOTES:The draft Checklist of application information provides a list of information that is proposed to be required before an application is accepted as valid. Following public consultation, the application forms will be updated to include the required information.

45. Additional information may be required depending on the type of activity. This is outlined based on the assessment process. Refer to the Application guidelines for more information on how assessment processes are determined.

46. Depending on the type and scale of recording, the following information may also be needed:a. frequency and duration of filming activities (preferably an itinerary or schedule)b. locations where the activity is proposed and alternative or back-up locations (for example, in

the case of bad weather)c. details of any vessels, aircraft, materials, equipment, structures and machinery to be used.d. planned interaction with wildlife including species, type of interaction, duration, locations and

measures proposed to mitigate potential impactse. details of any live plants or animals proposed to be brought on set to be used for filming.

Relevant import permits, including details relating to how/where the animals will be contained whilst not being filmed and where animals will be kept when not on set

f. numbers of cast, crew, and extrasg. whether a location manager or similar officer will be usedh. proposed special effects, props, stunts, pyrotechnics to be used including a schedule relating

to the use of such, and planned clean-up of related debrisi. expected type, level and duration of noise (such as sound propagation, acoustic signature,

sensitive receivers)j. details of facilities to be installed, including approved drawings and the nature and timing of

installation. Where facilities proposed for use are already permitted, details of the permit(s) for the facilities

k. details of any moorings planned to be used to fix facilities to the seabedl. types and size of drones and remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) to be used, licenses held for

these and if known, level of noise emitted, flight plan, duration of use and proposed altitudem. any requests or requirements for restricting public access, including the reasons, location

(radius), specific times, and how this is proposed to be managed.

47. For larger scale recording, an environmental management plan may be needed to detail potential impacts and proposed avoidance and mitigation measures.

48. Useful resources include:a. Perspective: Six factors to consider when deciding whether to use drones to enforce your

MPA, By Jayson Horadam and Emma Doyle, MPA News, Vol. 16, No. 4, March /April 2015.b. Flying drones in Australia – information from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.c. Guidelines for filming in Victoria’s protected areas .

Implementation

49. These draft guidelines have been prepared for the purpose of seeking public feedback.

50. After the consultation closes, GBMRPA will consider public submissions in finalising the guidelines.

51. The final guidelines are planned for public release in July 2017, to coincide with amendments to the Regulations taking effect.

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DefinitionsAircraft

Has the meaning given in Part 3 of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975.Applicant

A person, as defined by common law, who has made a valid application to undertake an activity in the Marine Park Autonomous vehicle

Means a vessel, aircraft or other vehicle which is not directly controlled by a human operator; typically operate using robotics and programmed algorithms, removing the need for direct human piloting; the most common types are autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

Decision makerA delegate; an officer of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority who has been provided with decision making power under relevant delegations of the Chairman of the Authority.

DroneA popular term for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV); most commonly used to refer to remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).

GBRMPA The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (C’th) as amended from time to time.

ImpactThe result or effect that happens when a Marine Park value is exposed to a hazard; may be positive or negative.

Managed vessel or aircraftHas the meaning given in regulation 23 of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983.

Marine ParkCommonwealth Great Barrier Reef Marine Park established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (C’th) as amended from time to time.

PermissionApproval to undertake specified activity, works or install a facility, within a Zone or Location of the Marine Park, using a vessel, aircraft, equipment, facility or device specified on the Permit.

PermitA document issued by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority which details the permission(s) granted by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to which Part 2A of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983 (C’th) applies. A permit may include one or more permissions.

Permission holderMeans a person, company or entity granted a permission.

Remotely operated vehicle (ROV)Means a vessel, aircraft or other vehicle which is directly controlled by a human operator who is not located in or on the vehicle; may or may not be physically connected to the operator by a cable or tether; most commonly used to refer to underwater vehicles, but also includes remotely piloted aircraft.

Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA)Has the meaning given in the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations Part 101; this term replaces the previous term ‘Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’ (UAV); also popularly called a ‘drone’; require a human operator to control their movements.

TakeHas the meaning given by Section 3 of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 and section 1.5 of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003.

Traditional Use of Marine Resource Agreement (TUMRA)Has the meaning given by the Dictionary in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003.

Traditional OwnerHas the meaning given by regulation 33 of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983.

ValuesAspects or attributes of an environment that make it of significance; Marine Park values include biophysical, social, historic heritage, Indigenous heritage and other heritage.

Supporting information

1. Conservation Drones for Seabird Monitoring – summary from ConservationDrones.org.

2. Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property – information from Arts Law.

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Further informationDirector – Environmental Assessment and Protection

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority2 - 68 Flinders Street PO Box 1379Townsville Qld 4810Australia

Phone + 61 7 4750 0700Fax + 61 7 4772 6093 Email: consultation@gbrmpa.gov.au

www.gbrmpa.gov.au

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Appendix A – List of all related Legislation, Standards and Policy

1. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (C’th)

2. Marine Park Act 2004 (QLD)

3. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983 (C’th)

4. Marine Parks Regulation 2006 (QLD)

5. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003 (C’th)

6. Marine Parks (Great Barrier Reef Coast) Zoning Plan 2004 (QLD)

7. Great Barrier Reef Intergovernmental Agreement

8. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

9. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Environmental Management Charge-General) Act 1993

10. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Environmental Management Charge-Excise) Act 1993

11. Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981

12. Cairns Area Plan of Management (December 2008)

13. Hinchinbrook Plan of Management 2004

14. Whitsundays Plan of Management (December 2008)

15. Shoalwater Bay (Dugong) Plan of Management (1997)

16. Public Governance Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act)

17. Privacy Act 1988

18. Native Title Act 1993

19. Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report (the Outlook Report)

20. Great Barrier Reef Region Strategic Assessment Report (the Strategic Assessment)

21. Great Barrier Reef Region Strategic Assessment Program Report (the Program Report)

22. Policy on Moorings in the Great Barrier Reef

23. Cruise Shipping Policy for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (under review)

24. Managing Tourism Permissions to Operate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (including Allocation, Latency and Tenure)

25. Policy on Managing Bareboat Operations in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

26. Marine Tourism Contingency Plan for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

27. Managing Scientific Research in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

28. Managing Activities that Include the Direct Take of a Protected Species from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

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D R A F T G u i d e l i n e s – Recording activity assessment

29. Operations Policy on Whale and Dolphin Conservation in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

30. Dredging and Spoil Disposal Policy

31. Dredging coral reef habitats policy

32. Sewage Discharges from Marine Outfalls to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

33. Guidelines on Coral Transplantation

34. Guidelines for the Emergency Disposal of Foreign Fishing Vessels

35. Guidelines for the Management of Artificial Reefs in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

36. Guidelines for Managing Visitation to Seabird Breeding Islands

37. Management of Commercial Jet Ski Operations Around Magnetic Island

38. Indigenous Participation in Tourism and its Management

39. Permits Information Bulletin – No Structure Sub-Zones

40. Guidelines for the Use of Hydrodynamic Numerical Modelling for Dredging Projects in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

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